Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon
Small-town Pennsylvania half marathon with hills and a tunnel.
Race Date
Sep 19, 2026
Location
New Bethlehem, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Location
- New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 77
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival Half Marathon is a small-town Pennsylvania race that delivers a genuine challenge through the hills of western Pennsylvania. The course spans Red Bank Creek twice and includes a rail trail tunnel, offering a mix of road and trail running. Starting and finishing at the South Bethlehem Borough Building, the half marathon is a loop that pushes runners with rolling climbs and scenic rural views.
In its fourth edition, the race maintains a loyal local following with a steady field. The typical winning time of 1:48:21 reflects the hilly terrain. Race day weather averages 57–74°F with low precipitation. This is a community-run event by the volunteer fire department, giving it a homey, low-key atmosphere. The 5K offers a flat rails-to-trails option for those seeking an easier course. A T-shirt is provided to all participants.
Race-provided description
The 5K will be a level course mostly on Rails to Trails. The half marathon will traverse the hills of western Pennsylvania, span the Red Bank Creek twice, and there will be a rail trail tunnel to shorten your run! Race starts and ends at South Bethlehem Borough Building and will be timed by Gingerbread Timing.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Start Time
8:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
309 Grant Street, New Bethlehem, PA, 16242
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Small Town, Rural
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
4 years running
~18 finishers a year
small race — neutral
25% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:48:21
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 77 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
77
Median time
2:17:01
Latest turnout
12
States
5
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon?
The Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.
Where does the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 77 runners who have completed the Distant Area Vol Fire Dept PB Festival 5K Race/Fun Walk and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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